George H.W. Bush remembers Holt as 'close and loyal' friend

By Ed Todd | Reporter-Telegram

Published 3:30 pm, Monday, February 27, 2012

Robert Braxton "Bobby" Holt, a thriving Midland rancher, community stalwart and loyal Republican, was a beloved friend of former Presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush, especially the senior Bush.

"And he is one of my closest friends, close and loyal," the elder Bush said of Holt Monday evening. Holt died Saturday at his Midland home. He was 79. Graveside service is set for 10 a.m. today at Fairview Cemetery.

"He loved Midland. He loved West Texas," Bush said in a phone interview.

The Bush family obviously loved Holt, a seasoned horseback rider like his forebears and a hearty polo player, unlike the Bushes, who preferred tennis.

"He always wanted to get into the tennis game," said Bush, who delighted in teasing Holt.

Holt had campaigned for President George H.W. Bush, the nation's 41st president, and raised funds for his inauguration.

"He was always the dependable guy for whatever needed to be done, especially in Republican politics," said Ernest Angelo Jr., a former Midland mayor and former member of the Republican National Committee. "We did a lot of Republican fund-raisers together. You can always count on Bobby. He was always there and always ready to do his part and then some."

Holt was on the Midland City Council when Angelo was mayor between 1972 and 1980.

"He was a good, solid individual who had the best interests of Midland at heart," said Edwin Magruder, who preceded Angelo as mayor.

"Bobby Holt was one of those sons of pioneers, a third-generation Midlander," whose grandfather, Oscar Braxton Holt Sr. "settled this part of the world," said Pat McDaniel, director of the Haley Memorial Library and History Center. "Bobby was always proud of his heritage and was proud that the ranching industry and the oil-and-gas industry were a part of his heritage."

"He enjoyed life and didn't go through life half-hearted but with both feet forward, sometimes anticipating what those results might be, sometimes not. He always had a great zest for life," McDaniel said.

Holt was vigorously dedicated to his undertakings -- from following the rodeo circuit and playing polo, to supporting Republican political candidates, especially the senior Bush. He also chaired the Texas Public Safety Commission during the Fort Davis standoff in 1997.

"He loved Midland, and he was always a good supporter of all things Midland," McDaniel said.

Holt was "a man for all seasons," robust until illness took its hold and always was an enterprising fellow, said Midland rancher-oilman Clayton Williams Jr. "He has been a stalwart for the state of Texas. His death is a loss to our community," Williams said. "He is a real good friend."

Holt, who came from a ranching family, "managed to hang on to the land (while) a lot of those ranch boys lost it," Williams said. "He kept the land. He has been there the whole way."

"He was a larger-than-life individual," said businessman Jose Cuevas, a former Midland City Council member. "He has done it all and had a good time doing it."

Midland Mayor Wes Perry said his parents, Charles and Ricki Perry, were close friends with the Holt family.

Holt was "real involved, obviously, in some important political campaigns," Perry said. "He had a big influence on our country when you think about his role in helping elect (George) H.W. Bush."

Perry said he and Holt both worked out at the Y and Holt always would refer to Perry by a lone initial, as in "Hello, Mr. P."

Bobby Burns, president of the Midland Chamber of Commerce and a former mayor, said Holt was "a very close friend of the first president Bush and stayed close forever with him."

Recalling that Holt supported him when he campaigned for mayor, Burns said Holt was a friend who "really cared for Midland. He really stepped up and helped those wanting to lead. He was there for them. Bobby was a very unique man. He had a lot of contacts and he knew how to use them."